Hidalgo County Officer Morales and Macias paid a visit to Jimmy Carter ECHS students to discuss the drugs, harassment, and bullying.
Preventing bullying involves “raising awareness of consequences and implementing anti-bullying strategies,” Morales said.
Statistics and real examples were shared with students, and they were reminded that “bullying is the third leading cause of suicides resulting in about 4,400 deaths a year.”
Students are encouraged to report incidents early and often, and Morales emphasized the need for reports to be followed through. Additionally, students were informed that harassment and bullying could lead to charges, fines, and jail time.
“Harassment is punishable up to 6 months in jail and a $2000 fine,” Morales said.
Events and visits like these are important to raise awareness and provide reinforcement to the messages students get from educators.
“We can be more aware of what is happening and can happen,” Samantha Salazar said.
Several students indicated that at some level, they are aware that these behaviors and choices carry consequences and that for some of them, they know exactly what they are in for.
